Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park – untamed nature in western Germany

The Eifel highlands – a unique natural environment, including not only the Hohes Venn (High Fens) and millions of wild narcissi, but also castles and palaces. There's a whole range of experiences on offer at the reserve, from 'Eifel Expeditions' to views from the peaks.

The Hohes Venn-Eifel Nature Park, which has a foot in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and eastern Belgium, combines forest, rivers and lakes and mountain ridges that stretch for miles. This is a uniquely varied landscape: the wetlands in the Hohes Venn; rivers, streams and 15 lakes and reservoirs; the colourful biodiversity of the Limestone Eifel; the extensive wooded hilltops of the Upper Eifel and the foothills of the Volcanic Eifel.

Pull on your hiking boots – this German-Belgian nature park's annual calendar of 'Eifel Expeditions' includes a range of excursions and events for the whole family, such as the 111km Roman Canal Walking Trail from Nettersheim to Cologne, which follows the route of the ancient Eifel aqueduct. There are also over 60 fantastic Eifel viewpoints to enjoy,

and the Accessible Eifel initiative is helping to ensure that disabled and older people can enjoy the reserve as well.

Note that the special GästeTicket, available to those staying overnight in participating hotels and B&Bs, gives you free bus and rail travel in the Eifel.